Beauty School Rocks!

I enjoy highlighting positive things folks are doing and wanted to share the news with you.



Students and employees from ITS Academy of Beauty schools in the Fort Worth area, as well as its sister school in New Mexico, Olympian University, raised $1,200 from a recent 5 K run/walk to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer research.



Forty members laced up to form the school’s team, “Beauty School Rocks,” including Margie Wisniski, chief of operations of ITS Academy of Beauty and its affiliate schools throughout the U.S. Thirty men and women from the schools operated two booths at the race, one in the main expo and another in the kid’s area, and provided thousands of bags with free samples of shampoo and conditioner, coupons and a list of services at the award-winning cosmetology school.



“This race was very personal to us,” said Wisniski. “We were honoring Deborah Marie Chambers , a dedicated nurse who passed away from breast cancer in 2007. However, she is just one of 39,620 women who have died from breast cancer and we are doing our part to see that this tragic statistic declines.”



Additional statistics from 2013 from the American Cancer Society include: 64,640 new cases of carcinoma in situ will be found (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer) and 39,620 deaths from breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer.

Our “Beauty School Rocks” team is one of many ways ITS Academy of Beauty and our affiliate schools are championing causes that matter in our communities. We teach our students about outward beauty, but we encourage kind acts to develop inner beauty as well.”

ITS Academy of Beauty provides students with a distinguished environment that mirrors many of the upscale salons that will employ the cosmetology students after they graduate and earn their cosmetology license.

According to a U.S. News and World Report hairdresser is cited as one of the best jobs of 2012. In a March 21, 2012 article in USA Today, beauty salon sales grew 5.4 %.4 in the last two years vs. a 2.3% sales increase in 2009. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projections of 15.7% employment growth expected by 2020, the future of hair salons and the future of hair stylists should continue to grow.
In addition to the award-winning cosmetology school in Fort Worth, the company owns and operates ITS Academy of Beauty schools throughout Texas and Lawton, OK, Olympian University in New Mexico, Hair Benders Academy in Florida and International Academy of Hair Design in Arizona.

For more information visit www.beautyschoolrocks.com or call 1-877-275-4442 to be connected to a school in your area.

Rejection Stinks, But You Don't Have To

I was searching my files for an article I wrote for a nursing magazine and found this blog article from last year. I don't have any new rejections, but thought other writers may benefit from one of my blog reruns. Plus, it gives me something to post while I think of a new topic to write. Here it is...

I saw the email in my in box and my breath caught in my throat. I was expecting a response from a major publishing company about the book. A “thumbs up” would be the catalyst for an exciting new path in my writing and speaking career. It would also be a dream-come-true for my co-author Jackie.

The first couple of sentences were complimentary, “clearly written, stories that excellently illustrate your points, something that would prove of benefit to the general reader etc.” But the bottom line was no.
I had to remind myself to breathe. I could feel my chest tighten. My throat seemed to shut down, as if words trying to form there would no longer be able to escape. I looked out the window and the gentle rain seemed to be a substitute for the tears that would not fall from me. I come from stoic stock and crying just gives me a headache. I find it best to move on.

This letter was one of many rejections I’ve received in my life, but this one hurt more than most. I notified Jackie, who I knew would be disappointed as well. I sat for a moment and thought about what I would do. I pulled out my sample query letter and book proposal, searched the internet for another publisher and sent a revised letter off to someone new. I still didn’t feel better so I queried a couple of literary agents as well.
For a moment I felt like a failure, but then I realized the situation was the perfect opportunity to practice what I preach and take steps to erase my own negativity. Step one is acknowledging the negativity and deciding to do something about it. That comes automatically to me now so I skipped off to step two, erase and replace. I searched for new publishers and agents and set a new course. I didn’t beat myself up for being rejected, I concentrated on what I could do – try again. The third tip I tell folks is to smile. I took a shower instead.

No one likes rejection, but rejection and a smelly body are a bad combination. After my shower I started to dress. The closet doors in the master bedroom have mirrors. I stared at my reflection and gave myself a cheesy smile. No, I didn’t feel like it, but I did it anyway. As I dried my hair I thought about what really keeps people in a funk. I think it is loss of hope. There are any number of disappointing things that can happen to us, but as long as we can hold on to a glimmer of hope, there is the prospect of a better outcome in the future.

Even though I have written, lectured and coached folks on erasing negativity, I am only human and have bouts with personal negativity. But, with practice, I have learned to employ tactics to minimize the amount of negativity I allow into my life. And you can do the same.

If you would like to watch a you a short you tube video on Three Tips to Erase Negativity, go to

http://youtu.be/208XAm-x3R8

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have queries to write, people to call and smiles to fake until I can generate an authentic one of my own. Ha! Just writing about fake smiles made me laugh, a little laugh, but a laugh all the same. And the rain stopped. I’m feeling more hopeful already.

Touching the Sky

I love gravity-defying dreams. I had one last night. I climbed on top of a large rock and jumped off. Before I hit the ground I had the power to slow myself down and enjoy a feather-soft landing. I was playing this game over and over with friends. Jump, slow down, land softly.

I’ve had even better dreams where I jump up and turn on some magical powers where I could inch myself even farther up into the air. Sometimes it was just air, other times I would inch upward until I could touch the ceiling.

In my wakened life, I’m vertically challenged. At 5 foot 2 inches tall I’m lucky to touch the ceiling of a doll house without a ladder. However when morning comes and I open my eyes, I still carry a piece of these empowering dreams with me throughout the day. I don’t put these jumping feats to the test. That would ruin my fun (and my knees). However, I let my imagination enjoy these gravity-defying moments before I look in the mirror and see that Newton’s observation



about falling apples is indeed hard at work and pulling my breasts, butt and skin to the ground.

While there are physical realities that are not a lot of fun (aging being one of them) I remind myself that I’m in charge of my own thoughts. When I was a kid I probably spent more time in my imagination than in the “real world.” A box could be a rocket, a tree could be a castle and, as Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage…”
A great deal has been written about creating our own reality.

Some may scoff at the notion, but I believe it is true. Detractors tell me, “Why would I create negative things in my life?” It’s a good point, but unfortunately the reality is not only we put a lot of our attention on negative outcomes, we give it OUR PASSION.

Think about the last time someone cut you off in traffic or did some other rude action. Did you release the negativity after a minute or so or did you replay it in your mind over and over? Did you let it rest, or did you tell a few friends and family members about the episode?

I imagine thoughts are like little bubble pictures above our heads. They are fragile and can pop and disappear, or we can charge it with strong emotion and give it a burst of energy. Given time, this unhappy situation will demand a repeat performance and manifest itself in your life again.

In the first chapter of our book, Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within, I encourage folks to reduce unpleasantness in their lives with three simple steps.

1. Pay attention to your thoughts, speech and actions.
2. Erase the negativity and replace it with something more positive.
3. Smile. Even if you don’t feel like it.

If you prefer to see me mug for the camera and go into more detail on these three tips I invite you to go to my you tube site
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=208XAm-x3R8

I also invite you to use your imagination and create happy scenarios in your mind. When slumbering a dream can turn into a nightmare, but in our awakened imagination we can bring our dreams to life, and no one will have any idea of why you are walking around playing with friends, making a soft landing from a tall cliff, or simply touching the sky.

A Good Word for a Good Friend

I learned that a friend I had worked with years ago had passed away. Patricia Susan Schultz was only 63 when she died. I didn’t learn about it until nearly a month after the funeral.



Pat and I worked at the City of Mesa’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Division for many years. Pat was one of the first people I met. She was the coordinator of the senior and specialty programs and I did public relations for the Division. She was famous for her love of glitter and sparkle. Valentine’s Day was her favorite holiday, and ironically it was on that day that she died.

Pat had a truly sunny personality and was loved by nearly everyone. I still find it difficult that she is gone. I regret not staying in better contact with her over the years. I truly meant to give her a call, but my good intentions were replaced by the myriad of errands and work that cropped up.

After I left the city I divorced, moved and changed my last name, so it would have been a lot more difficult for her to find me than vice versa. Generally I have been proactive about keeping friendships alive, but in this case, due to all the difficulties I faced with divorce, unemployment and my new role as a single parent to a very unhappy teenage daughter, I chose to focus on dealing with my problems rather than the friendships that nurtured my soul.

Now the opportunity to sit, laugh and have lunch with this delightful former co-worker has slipped away.

In our book, Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within, my friend and co-author, Jackie, write about the importance of good friends, positive role models and developing right thought, right speech and right action. Pat was a stellar example of all these fine attributes.

As bad as I feel that Pat passed away before I had a chance to reconnect with her, I also know it will do me no good to beat myself up about it. The best I can do is forgive myself, say a prayer each day to honor my dear friend, and use it as an example of how important it is to stay in touch with people I care about. We never know how long any of us will be on this planet and it is so important to make the best of every moment.

Last night I had a dream. I was at a café and my friend, Rossan, led me to a table. Much to my surprise, Pat was seated there. At first I was relieved to see that I had been wrong about Pat’s death and that she was very much alive. I gave her a hug and we began talking. Another person walked past the table and said hi. He also was relieved to see that the article he had read about Pat’s death was wrong too. Then I realized that Pat was dead, and she just wanted to give me a chance to say goodbye to her. Much of this happened telepathically.

Although Pat was at a café, she did not have any food in front of her. I see that as a sign that there was “nothing else on her plate” in the earthly world. She was ready to move on to a more celestial experience. She took that moment to meet with me, let me know she was okay and gave me the opportunity to say goodbye. Real or not, when I awoke, I felt that I had truly experienced the opportunity to bid adieu and let her know how much I cared for her, even if I had been remiss in keeping in touch.

In a moment, I knew Pat would ascend to her heavenly duties, probably organizing dances, socials, classes and heavenly parties. I knew she secured a good spot in heaven, but I think I had a few doubts about my own future.

My last words were, “Please put in a good word for me, will you?” Then I awoke.
When I opened my eyes I was smiling. I felt at peace because I knew Pat sensed my heart rather than my actions and would put a good word in for me with the powers that be.

Free Spring Music Concerts and Classic Car Shows

West side residents and visitors can enjoy free, live music as well as a classic car show Friday evenings 6 to 8 p.m. April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3 at the Village at Arrowhead Shopping Center, 20050 N. 67th Ave. in Glendale.

The Roadrunners 50s/60s band will kick things off April 5, followed by Still Cruisin’ Band April 12, The Big Zephyr April 19, 360ci Sound Machine April 26 and The Swing Kings Band May 3. All music will be performed on the patio of AJ’s Fine Foods.

“Our Music at the Village concert series is a wonderful way to enjoy live music and check out some beautiful classic cars,” said Mary Walker, president of Power Promotions and event coordinator for The Village at Arrowhead. “We encourage folks of all ages to join us for this free, family-friendly event.”Whether you want to gaze at the latest in fashions, cruise down memory lane checking out classic cars or simply enjoying live music in a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere, this event has something for everyone.”

The Village at Arrowhead offers specialty shops that provide the ultimate shopping experience with distinctive fashion, home furnishings, restaurants and personal services in one of the most architecturally unique and aesthetically pleasing shopping centers around.

For more information contact Marks Public Relations at 480-664-3004.

Who Says You Can't Have Your Cake and Eat it Too?

Cosmetology students at Olympian University, 4501 N. Main St. in Roswell proved you can “have your cake and win it two, three times and more” when the school brought home the 2nd and 3rd place awards at a recent Educational Forum in Fort Worth, Texas.
Sweet Surprise was the theme for the second place winning entry and Queen of the Wild captured third place, both in the team category.

Cosmetology students Maritza Perez, Deja Riddle, Daniela Loya and model Heather Satterfield (also an Olympian University student) had 55 minutes in the arena to construct the hair and make up for their entry.



Satterfield, clad in a zebra-colored outfit, appeared to spring from a festively decorated three-layer birthday cake. But the crowning glory was in the model’s neon-colored tresses. Perez, Riddle and Loya fashioned gift boxes, party favors and other celebratory objects and covered them in hair so they appeared to be a part of the model’s tresses.

The third place entry featured a Queen of the Wild theme that incorporated elements from Aztec and Voodoo cultures in bewitching earth tones. Jessie Cadena, Crystal Gage and Debbie Lara also used body paint to design bones and other fetish designs on Yasmin Estrada’s exotic headdress.

Lara also competed in the bridal mannequin competition and placed fifth. Her entry featured an elegant and clean updo accompanied by soft and sophisticated makeup that would be the envy of today’s stylish brides.
“All of our students did an excellent job and demonstrated they could not only create an awesome project, but that they could be graceful under pressure,” said Kristi Eaton, an instructor at Olympian University who helped oversee the students at the Education Forum. “Our school in Roswell has a reputation for winning big at the Forum and we are proud of all of them.”

The contestants in all the competitions, three-person team, fantasy hair and bridal hair, were encouraged to pull out the stops on their themed entry and create a project that would wow the judges, spectators and fellow students. Each entry was judged based on creativity, originality, innovation, color and theme.

The three-person team category was performed on a live model and included a larger backdrop. The fantasy hair and bridal hair categories were performed on a mannequin. Another challenge of the three-person team event is the students must work cooperatively as a team.

Olympian University in Roswell is a cosmetology school that provides students with a distinguished environment that mirrors many of the upscale salons that will employ the students after they graduate and earn their cosmetology license.
For more information visit www.olympianuniversity.com or call the Roswell school at 575-623-6331.

Romancing the Stores for Valentine's Day

If you are looking for the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, Cupid may be pointing his bow in the direction of the Village at Arrowhead Shopping Center, 20022 N. 67th Ave. in Glendale.

In addition to unique gifts that can be found, the shopping center itself provides a pleasant and enchanting experience for everyone in the family. The cobblestone-accentuated walkways, wrought-iron flourishes, faux stone accents and bubbling fountain are reminiscent of markets in France and Italy. February temperatures are generally mild at the center, however the outdoor misting system provides a comfortable atmosphere year-round for shoppers to stroll past each unique shop.

A French Country flair is evident from the rough-hewn, glass and wooden doors to the green umbrellas that provide shade and color to AJ’s popular bistro. Before shopping at the upscale grocery store for the perfect ingredients to prepare a romantic dinner with libations, customers can dine alfresco in AJ’s bistro or nibble on a delicious pastry or a variety of specialty chocolates.

Another delectable option is a rich, red, velvet cake with strawberry ganache ice cream from Cold Stone for only $33.30. Cakes should be ordered 24 to 48 hours in advance,however a variety of delightful desserts are always on hand. Other dining options in the Center include the popular Chipotle and Pei Wei Asian Diner.

For those who plan a romantic getaway to a resort or aboard a cruise liner either for Valentine’s Day or another holiday, a must-stop, shop destination is Fresh Picked where spring fashions in cool and comfy gauze by B’ Gauze and Fresh Produce are now in full bloom.

For Valentine’s Day, as well as those who love the color red all year round, apparel, jewelry and accessories in crimson and scarlet can be found at Chico’s, Pretty Please, Roka Boutique and Talbots. For those who prefer their wardrobe in black and white, The White House/Black Market offers a surprisingly vast selection of basic black and brilliant white, clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories.

In addition to jewelry and apparel, Francesca’s Collection also offers Valentine-themed gifts for the kitchen or bar including bar and cocktail glassware, wine toppers and flasks. For those who want a hint of color in the latest spring hues, chunky, stone necklaces in mint and peach are a popular choice.

For those romantic outdoor dinners and leisurely evenings outdoors, Today’s Pool & Patio offers perky, red pots of poppies for $17.99, as well as ruby-colored glassware, serving dishes and outdoor accents such as pillows that come in Valentine red as well as a rainbow of other colors and prints.

Men will not be ignored during this romantic season. Jos. A. Bank Clothiers offers suits, dress suits, sports coats, pants, ties, sportswear, outdoor wear, shoes and accessories in a variety of sizes including big and tall, to create ZZ Top’s version of a well-dressed man.

A stop into Robert & Jayson Miller Fine Jewelry provides dazzling accents for both men and women.

The store carries Revv, a sophisticated line of men’s rings, bracelets and other accessories in titanium, ceramic and tungsten. The titanium and tungsten options are especially popular for the active gentleman on your Valentine’s Day list. Of course women will want to make a purchase or two for themselves with beautiful baubles that range from $30 for everyday wear to exquisite items that cost thousands of dollars.

For our furry or feathered loved ones, Choice Pet Markets offers natural, organic and holistic foods, as well as toys, clothing and more to make every day a special occasion for our beloved pets.

The Village at Arrowhead also offers an array of amenities to make both men and women feel like a million dollars with services provided by Rolf’s Salon, European Wax Center, Medi Weightloss Clinics and the Nail Depot. The friendly and convenient Compass Bank BBVA is also a mainstay for the center.

The UPS Store also helps shoppers save money now through Valentine’s Day by offering 10% off in-store products and shipping. With more than an estimated 150 million Valentine’s Day cards expected to go through the mail for Cupid’s holiday, shoppers are encouraged to mail their gifts early. However, for those who are in a time crunch, next-day air shipping is always an option.

“Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just another day, the Village at Arrowhead Shopping Center is so much more than just a place to shop,” said Mary Walker, marketing coordinator for the Glendale shopping center and president of Power Promotions. “It’s like Arizona’s version of a European piazza where friends and family can take a break from their hectic life and enjoy life.”

The shopping center has been a hub of activity and the sponsor of numerous free community events that collect food for local food banks, as well as sleeping bags for homeless veterans. Recent past events include: Carriage Rides with Santa

and the Music at the Village Concert Series. The spring Music at the Village concert series will begin April 5.
The Village at Arrowhead offers specialty shops that provide the ultimate shopping experience with distinctive fashion, home furnishings, restaurants and personal services in one of one of the most architecturally unique and aesthetically pleasing shopping centers around.
The shopping center is located on the southwest corner of 67th Avenue at the Loop 101. For more information contact Marks Public Relations at 480-664-3004.


THE VILLAGE AT ARROWHEAD MERCHANTS
20022 N. 67TH Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308

AJ’s Fine Foods 623-537-2300
Chico’s 623-825-6077
Chipotle 623-240-1289
Choice Pet Market 623-937-4444
Cold Stone 623-566-9400
Compass Bank BBVA 623-537-3100
European Wax Center 623-572-2800
Francesca’s Collection 623-376-2555
Fresh Picked 623-561-1120
Jos. A. Bank Clothiers 623-566-7196
Medi Weightloss Clinics 623-825-7931
Nail Depot 623-376-9197
Pei Wei Asian Diner 623-825-9949
Pretty Please 623-561-2135
Robert & Jayson Miller 623-376-6344
Fine Jewelry
Rolf’s Salon 623-537-2223
Roka Boutique 623-537-3500
Talbots 623-566-2895
The UPS Store 623-561-6475
Today’s Pool & Patio 623-344-5000
The White House 623-572-0710
Black Market